Jacob Markowitz was a pioneer in the field of experimental surgery. Dr. Markowitz was chief of experimental surgery and a professor of physiology at the University of Toronto. He wrote several books, influenced the careers of many surgeons and changed the course of experimental surgery. The Award was established in 1986. Previous recipients of the award include: Phillip N. Sawyer, Michael DeBakey, Judah Folkman, C. William Hall and many more.